The Emiratis
Emiratis, or citizens of the United Arab Emirates, make up a small percentage of the workforce in the country's private sector. This is due to a variety of factors, such as a lack of qualifications or experience among Emiratis, a preference among private sector companies for expatriate workers, and cultural factors that discourage Emiratis from pursuing careers in the private sector.
The government has implemented various initiatives to increase the number of Emiratis in the private sector, such as setting quotas for Emirati hiring, offering training and education programs, and providing financial incentives for companies that employ Emiratis.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has a policy of promoting the employment of its citizens, known as Emiratis. This includes initiatives such as Emiratization, which aims to increase the proportion of Emiratis in the workforce, and policies that give preference to Emiratis in certain job openings.
Additionally, the government provides training and education programs to help Emiratis acquire the skills needed for certain jobs.
There are several challenges that can arise when implementing Emiratisation initiatives.
These challenges include:
Lack of qualified Emirati candidates: One of the main challenges of Emiratisation is the lack of qualified Emirati candidates for certain positions. Many Emiratis lack the necessary education, skills, or experience to fill specific roles, particularly in technical or specialized fields.
Preference for expatriate workers: Many employers in the UAE prefer to hire expatriate workers due to their perceived higher levels of expertise and experience. This can make it difficult for Emiratis to compete for certain jobs.
Negative attitudes towards Emiratisation: Some employers may have negative attitudes towards Emiratisation and may be resistant to hiring Emiratis due to cultural or linguistic barriers, or the belief that Emiratis are not as productive as expatriate workers.
Cultural differences: There may be cultural differences between Emirati and expatriate workers that can lead to communication and integration challenges.
Lack of incentives: Some employers may be unwilling to hire Emiratis due to the government's lack of incentives or benefits to encourage Emiratisation.
To overcome these challenges, the UAE government has implemented various initiatives and policies to support Emiratisation, such as providing education and training programs for Emiratis, implementing quotas for the hiring of Emiratis, and offering financial incentives to employers who hire Emiratis.
It is often used as a way to promote economic development and improve social mobility among citizens.
Like any policy or program, Emiratisation has both advantages and drawbacks.
Some potential drawbacks of Emiratisation include:
Limited experience: Some UAE citizens may not have the same level of education, skills, or experience as foreign workers, which could affect their ability to perform certain jobs.
Limited availability: There may not be enough UAE citizens to fill all the available jobs, particularly in certain sectors where there is a high demand for skilled labor.
Higher cost: Employing UAE citizens may be more expensive for companies due to the need to provide additional benefits and support.
Inefficient allocation of resources: Emiratisation policies may result in the allocation of resources to less productive sectors of the economy, rather than those that are more competitive and generate higher returns.
Discrimination: There is a risk that Emiratisation policies could lead to discrimination against foreign workers, particularly if they are not given equal opportunities for employment and advancement.
Overall, it is important for any policy or program to be carefully designed and implemented in order to minimize potential drawbacks and maximize benefits.
What do Emirati graduates require?
Job opportunities in their field of study or in industries that align with their interests and skills
Career guidance and mentorship to help them navigate the job market and develop the skills and experience needed to be competitive
Networking opportunities to connect with professionals in their field and learn about potential job opportunities
Professional development resources to help them continue learning and growing in their careers
Support in developing the skills and experience required to be competitive in the job market
Access to financial resources such as loans or grants to help them start their careers.
Emirati fresh graduates may need a variety of things, such as job opportunities, career guidance and mentorship, networking opportunities, and professional development resources. They may also need support in developing the skills and experience required to be competitive in the job market. Additionally, they may need access to financial resources, such as loans or grants, to help them start their careers.
Emirati graduates seeking employment can start by searching for job opportunities on Skillplay's official website which lists job openings in both the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government and private sector. Additionally, Emirati graduates can attend job fairs and networking events to connect with potential employers and learn about job opportunities. It is also suggested to have a well-written CV and cover letter and be prepared for job interviews.
Like what you're reading? Read more of our blogs at Skillplay Blogs!
